In June 2018, the Hurricanes drafted Andrei Svechnikov, but could Andrei just be getting started on a superstar career Raleigh has never seen before?
Andrei Svechnikov was drafted 2nd overall in 2018, but could he be better than even Carolina thought he would be? The young Russian winger has set the league alight this season, notching 24 goals and 31 assists for 55 points in 59 games. That is great production already, but could Svechnikov be the next great?
There’s a few things to remember when talking about Svechnikov. One is that he has two teammates who are as good as he is. Teuvo Teravainen and Sebastian Aho are both great players in their own right. They are great at what they do. With them and Svech on a line, there’s not a lot that line cannot do for the hurricanes.
Svechnikov also has an INCREDIBLE skill set. He can score from anywhere on the ice. Calgary and Winnipeg have seen Svechnikov score a lacrosse style goal from behind the goal, he can beat you with his heavy shot, or great passing ability. He’s such a threat in all aspects. He’s got great hands when he needs to deke. Svech is so dangerous in almost every aspect.
Andrei Svechnikov joined Ron Francis (2 in 1982-83 w/ HFD) as just the second teenager in @Canes / Whalers history to record multiple point streaks of eight-plus games in a single season. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/rE9mBjoNbQ
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 19, 2020
He’s also got a very heavy shot. The only younger player to have a comparable shot is Patrik Laine. However, Laine doesn’t have the skating ability, the defensive soundness, and he’s also not got the supporting cast to the level of Svechnikov. Andrei Svechnikov could very quickly become a star talented, and maybe even a franchise level talent if he continues to develop at this rate.
Svechnikov, like Aho and Teravainen, is on pace for 75+ points. That’s incredibly exciting to have those 3 all look like they’re gonna reach the plateau of the elite. The last time Carolina had 3 75+ point players was 2006 with Cory Stillman, Eric Staal, and Justin Williams. We all know what happened that year and it’s incredibly exciting to think about.
Svechnikov may not cap at 75 though, Andrei could very well find himself over the point per game threshold if production continues to keep its current rate. His heavy shot should also see him past the 30 goal mark, and maybe to the 35 goal region. Maybe even more if he finds himself getting hot towards the end of the season.
It’s easy to see why people are so eager to say Svechnikov is going to be one of the greats for our organisation. He maybe. But there is a chance he may be a great in more than just our organisation. His skillset is so unique and the fact he’s 19 and has scored 66.6% of the Lacrosse goals in NHL history is mind blowing. He is going to be special for sure.